Get Organized to Organize!

NJ Organizer, Marilyn Shain Labendz gives pointers on how to avoid an endless "to do list".

Getting organized, and staying organized, takes preparation and thought. I am a firm believer in making a list of what I need to do, with as many specifics as possible. If you read my blog I constantly refer to sifting, sorting and categorizing.

I had a fabulous teacher in the 9th grade, Mr. John J. O’Rourke who taught us how to outline anything: Roman Numerals: major sections, Capital letters within, the major subsets, numbers are the details.

I. Where to keep your lists:

A. In a small bound notebook

1. Eliminates little scraps of paper

2. Crossing out completed items is gratifying.

B. On your phone

1. Eliminates all paper.

2. Deleting done items and seeing a shorter list is gratifying.

II. How to construct your lists:

A. Phone Calls

1. Whom are you calling

2. What do you need to tell, ask or say. (That way when they pick up you won’t be embarrassed by not remembering why you called).

B. Errands:

1. Food shopping: (the list of what to buy is in another note on my phone).

2. Library: Drop off books and take out the book on reserve. (Nothing like doing half the errand and realizing you have to go back to finish the task).

III. Further Categories for individual phone lists or pages in your notebook:

A. Morning, afternoon and evening lists.

B. On the way to work, carpooling, etc.

C. Critical vs. "if there's time"

D. The date you want to do it with a deadline date, if there is one.

***A wise word from my mom about list making: Some years ago, when all 3 kids were still at home and I was in the midst of trying to get everything done, etc., I was particularly frazzled…maybe even fried. I called my mom crying, “I just can’t get everything done. I try to make organized lists so that I am not running around helter-skelter.” In her calm way, she said, “Hmmm, well, maybe your list is too long.”

Isn't it time to reset your approach to getting and staying organized? Not everything has to get done in one day.

I used to sit down for 10 minutes after the kids were in bed and quiet and plan out the next day's "To do list." It enabled me to start the day with an understanding of what's most important and where to start. Nothing is perfect but there is always "cut and paste!"

NJ Expert Organizer, Marilyn Shain Labendz, suggests a new approach for being organized.

Can't seem to get a handle on making effective lists and targeted goal setting? Contact me now and I will take you by the hand and guide you down the path of getting organized...and staying there.